Is a coup against Helen Clark's leadership likely?

There is a rumour floating around Labour circles in Wellington, amongst Labour Party ministers, unions and the usual left rabble, that because of the poor way their Leader, Helen Clark, has been leading the Labour Party over the last year, and especially over the last few weeks, unhappy Labour supporters want her replaced before the 2008 Election.

I cant vouch for the validity of any such rumour from the Capital or the possible replacement for Clark, it could actually have no substance at all, but it is very interesting information given Ms Clark's tenuous grip on what is going on around her.

She is no doubt one of New Zealand's best political operators but fears that she has let her own ego get in the way of making sensible politically good decisions lately has got Labour Party tongues wagging.

There were similar whisperings around the traps spread by Labour last year regarding John Key and the safety of his position at the top but political pundits, polls and the general public all seem to be firmly behind Key and his ideas for the future of New Zealand.

Given the whisperings, does Clark have a future with Labour?

c Political Animal & Cartoon c Stan Blanch 2008